overcoming depression

Some people love their good old fashioned television networks, while others can't get enough of Hulu or Netflix. I have a special place in my heart for YouTube and more specifically, #YouTubeBLACK. I can't get enough of those beauty, fashion, and lifestyle content creators and vlogs beat reality TV shows any day, if you ask me. I think of it as a more personal extension of social media. It's a way for me to connect with the lives of like-minded people from all around the world that I wouldn't have access to otherwise. In fact, YouTube helped me get through one of my toughest seasons, and it's something worth reflecting on in hopes that it helps brighten whatever season you're journeying through now.

​IT WAS A TYPICAL DAY

​I had just finished attending classes at my university and I was ready to relax. Like usual, I grabbed an early dinner and searched YouTube for new videos from my favorite channels. I decided on Jamie and Nikki as they always remind me that this world is still filled with much love. During this particular vlog, Jamie highlighted quotes from the #YouTubeBLACK Social Summit. This particular quote resonated with me: ​​

Everything is born from a second of stillness. Every new idea comes when the mind is quiet. A noisy mind doesn't do anything but cause sickness, sadness, and disconnect from the present. The less thoughts, "noise", you have, the more able you are to see the world.

​ONE STEP CLOSER TO A BREAKTHROUGH

​One day, I couldn't take it anymore. I did what I believe anyone in a similar or worse situation should do- GET HELP. However, help looks different for everyone. Maybe you just need to open up to a friend. Maybe you need a mind, body, and spiritual lifestyle change. Maybe you need to seek medical advice. Regardless, let help be your breakthrough. Let it change the way you think, the way you live, and the way you see the world. Let help bring you back to a quiet mind so that you can be present.

I decided to share this particular story because even though it was one of my lowest seasons, it was also one of my best, but only because I sought help. During that time, I was finishing my last semester as an undergraduate , and the one month that I spent dedicating my life to healing, I was was able to love my present. I started to see the relationships in my life become stronger. My grades improved. I met so many new people and gained exposure to new opportunities. I began to feel alive again and see the world differently than I had before.

Being present doesn't mean that everything is perfect or that things are going your way. It's just simply listening to every part of your being and responding accordingly. It's knowing that when you become overwhelmed, you may need time to meditate. Or even better, add it into your regular schedule. Being present is not allowing unforeseen circumstances to ruin your plans or throw your emotions all out of whack. Being present is seeking healthy ways to heal from painful experiences. Being present is loving yourself and others. It's simply seeing the world.

Honestly, I hope you can't relate to this post, but if you can, I pray that you've found stillness and peace with living in your present. Until next time, ​beYOUtiful, keep life sweet, and never stop feeding your soul. -xo